Exceeded all expectations - Flawless

Just returned from a 11 day Northern Lights voyage along the Norwegian coast to Kirkenes and back to Bergen - and it was mind blowing.

I've returned relaxed, pampered and looking to book another cruise - with Hurtigurten. Never will I grace Royal Caribbean, or Princess again

No casinos, no spas, no entertainment crews - it was education, relaxing and no hard sell.

Cabins were basic, clean and well thought out, Bathrooms small and efficient.

Staff were incredibly professional and charming

Its a working ship, and the dress code was refreshingly casual..no dressing up for dinner.

We loved every minute of it and the food was amazing. Fresh, locally sourced, not a french fry, burger, hot dog, pizza or hot dog in site.

Excursions were expensive, but worth every penny - and no more expensive than the private ones which you can arrange independently

Yes, alcohol is expensive, but this is Norway, and the prices on the ship were cheaper than the mid range hotels in Bergen.

Embarkment and disembarkation were incredibly fast - we were in our hotel in less than an hour of leaving our deck - straight into a taxi.

Tips - bring a kettle if you don't buy the premium package

- learn how to use your camera for photographing the northern lights ( we had 6 nights of this spectacular)

- bring a pair of slippers, good books, knitting/craft/watercolours - something to do when you are sailing along

do at least 3 expeditions ( we did dog sledging, the ice hotel and the marble mines. All were incredible)

Ignore the moaning minnie reviews. There are hundreds of thousand of people who have done this voyage.

final words, don't hesitate book it!

Small, well thought out and comfy beds